South Korea has implemented new technical standards for gasoline-powered vehicles to align with clean air conservation goals.
South Korea Tightens Emission Standards for Gasoline Cars
New technical rules now apply to imported gasoline vehicles under specific HS codes.
What changed
New technical standards implemented for gasoline-powered vehicles to meet clean air goals.
Specific HS codes targeted including 870390, 870321, 870322, 870324, 870331, and 870333.
Clean Air Conservation Act amendment provides the legal basis for enforcement.
Who it affects
Importers of gasoline vehicles must ensure products meet new technical standards.
Manufacturers of gas-powered engines need to comply with updated emission requirements.
Customs authorities will enforce compliance for vehicles under specified HS codes.
What to do
Verify if your vehicles fall under HS codes 870390, 870321, 870322, 870324, 870331, or 870333.
Review technical specifications against new emission standards.
Prepare compliance documentation for customs clearance.
Regulation Analysis: New Technical Standards for Gasoline-Powered Vehicles in South Korea
South Korea has introduced updated technical standards for gasoline- and gas-powered vehicles to align with clean air conservation goals, effective January 1, 2026. The new regulations establish stricter emission standards, adopt U.S.-equivalent average emission thresholds, and revise calculation methodologies1.
Key Requirements
- New Emission Standards
- Updated emission limits for gasoline- and gas-powered vehicles will take effect on January 1, 2026 (Draft Annex 17)1.
- The standards aim to reduce air pollution and harmonize with international benchmarks.
- Average Emission Standards
- Current average emission standards for gasoline- and gas-powered vehicles expire at the end of 2025.
- New average emission standards will be set at levels equivalent to those applied in the United States (Draft Annex 19-2).
- Emission Calculation Methodology
- The method for calculating average emissions will align with U.S. standards (Draft Annex 19-3).
- Regulatory Authority
- The Ministry of Environment (ME), specifically the Transportation Environment Division, is responsible for implementing and enforcing these standards1.
- Public Consultation
Compliance Table
| Regulation | Key Requirement | Deadline/Threshold | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Draft Partial Amendment to the Enforcement Rules of the Clean Air Conservation Act | New emission standards for gasoline- and gas-powered vehicles1. | Effective January 1, 2026 | Ministry of Environment (ME)1 |
| Draft Annex 19-2 | Average emission standards equivalent to U.S. levels. | Expires December 31, 2025 | Ministry of Environment (ME)1 |
| Draft Annex 19-3 | Emission calculation methodology aligned with U.S. standards. | Not specified | Ministry of Environment (ME)1 |
Summary Answer
South Korea’s new technical standards for gasoline- and gas-powered vehicles, effective January 1, 2026, introduce stricter emission limits and adopt U.S.-equivalent average emission standards1. The Ministry of Environment (ME) oversees compliance, with public comments accepted until November 25, 20251. The regulations aim to reduce air pollution and harmonize with international practices. All provisions are grounded in the Draft Partial Amendment to the Enforcement Rules of the Clean Air Conservation Act1.
Sources
- ↩ Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade – Notification – Republic of Korea – Gasoline and gas-powered vehicles https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=Q:/G/TBTN25/KOR1320.pdf&Open=True